RCFD Promotes Three

Promotions Come in Anticipation of Impending Retirement

Rapid City, S.D. - The Rapid City Fire Department would like to congratulate three of our finest employees on their promotion within the organization. The promotions come ahead of the April retirement of EMS Section Chief TJ Nicolai.

Brent Long was promoted to the position of EMS Section Chief. In this position, Chief Long’s responsibilities will include assurance of quality care by the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system, gathering and analyzing statistical data and recommend system improvements, and oversee EMS related training including the Paramedic Field Training Evaluation Program. Chief Long has an extensive background in EMS serving as a Paramedic both at the Rapid City Fire Department and Black Hills Life Flight. Brent has served in several capacities within the RCFD. He has held the rank of Firefighter, Public Information Officer, Operations Lieutenant and Operations Captain.

Brian Povandra has been promoted to the rank of Operation Captain with a station assignment to be determined. Brian is currently the team leader of the Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team. Brian is currently a National Registry Paramedic and is highly trained in the area of technical rescue. Brian has held the rank of Firefighter/Paramedic and Operations Lieutenant.

Niell Goodart has been promoted to the rank of Operations Lieutenant with a station assignment to be determined. Neill is a National Registry Paramedic and has specialized training in the area of Hazardous Materials Emergency Response as a Hazmat Technician.

These three individuals are among the organizations best and brightest. We wish them congratulations and know that they will continue to make our department proud while serving in their new capacities.

Chief TJ Nicolai will retire from the RCFD in April after a distinguished 20 year career that began February 10, 1997. Chief Nicolai has been a Paramedic since 1985 and brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Rapid City Fire Department. Prior to employment with the Rapid City Fire Department, TJ served as a Pennington County Sheriffs Deputy. The Rapid City Fire Department wishes TJ all the best in retirement and congratulates him on an outstanding career in public service.

For questions regarding this release, please contact the Rapid City Fire Department at (605)-394-4180.